This Is the Low-Commitment Way to Change Your Hair This Winter

A side fringe is a low commitment in the grand scheme of haircuts, but it can completely shake up your look. That said, this is ideal if you want a fresh style for the festive period and are nervous about scissor-wielding hairdressers. If you already sweep your hair into a side parting, then this will add a subtle, new dimension to your look. But if you tend to centre-part your hair, a side fringe could have a totally rejuvenating effect on your appearance.

If you opt for a longer-length fringe and don’t like it, it’s easy to centre-part and disguise. Not sure a side fringe will suit you? Experiment with a side parting until you’re ready for the chop. A side fringe suits most straight and wavy hair textures, and when it comes to styling, you can use your fingers to rough-dry with a hairdryer before using a small round brush to round out or flick the ends. Most stylists would say to avoid using product on a fringe. Says Lauren Thompson, a stylist at Nunzio Saviano Salon in NYC, “I don’t usually like to use a lot of product on the [fringe] area unless the hair is very fine and thin; then I love a spray like Oribe Volumista (£31).”

Not convinced? Keep reading for 15 celebrities with side fringes that will totally change your mind…

Emily Ratajowski

Emily Ratajkowski's retro side fringe gives us major Penelope Cruz vibes. Paired with her feline eyeliner and nude lip, we have a feeling Ratajkowski's fringe might not be here to stay, but we're into it.

Selena Gomez

Selena switched up her centre part in favour of a dramatic side fringe. The way it sweeps across her forehead helps to create a wavy, relaxed style. This combined with her messy up 'do gets a thumbs up from us. 

Kirsten Dunst

A quintessential side fringe: long, sweeping and suits most face shapes and hair textures. The subtle way it cuts across the eye makes it a little sassy, too. 

Cameron Diaz

Okay, okay, technically this is more of a side parting than a fringe, but it’s a great way to road test the look before committing to the cut. Thanks for the tip, Cameron.

Penelope Cruz

A flick like this requires some round-brush action and flexible hair spray. Try GHD Ceramic Vented Radial Brush in Size 1 (£15).

Gemma Arterton

A shorter side fringe like this that creates a diagonal line across the forehead will help to make your eyes and lips the focal points of your face. It’s an optical illusion, but it’s ideal if those are your best features. 

Jessica Biel

If you go shorter like Jessica, your fringe can be brushed across to create a full fringe or centre part for a look that’s more retro and will grow out well (think Alexa Chung and you’ll get the idea). 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie proves there doesn’t have to be any awkward in-between phases when growing out a side fringe. 

Beyoncé

If you’re not ready to give up on a centre part, then don’t. Beyoncé shows how you can still work a side parting.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese is pretty dedicated to a side fringe. This version is beautifully textured and piecey. It also doesn’t cut her forehead in half, which is key for when you have a heart-shaped or round face. 

Katy Perry

We love how Katy’s fringe has an almost feather-like, delicate quality. 

Kerry Washington

Make like Kerry and blow-dry your fringe smooth and straight for a grown-up, groomed look. 

Rita Ora

We love everything about this haircut—from the wispy texture to the highlights. Obsessed. 

Alexa Chung

While some side fringes can look prim, Alexa Chung proves that a longer version paired with tousled waves can look super cool. 

Emma Stone

At this length, you can change up your parting and fringe with ease depending on your mood and the style you’re going for.

Want to go shorter? Check out these shoulder-length hairstyles for inspiration.